How To Donate To 9/11 Victims' Families Who Still Need Support Today

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, and even as time passes by, the reality of that day is still fresh for many of the families of those who died. Children, widows, and family members still often rely on support for things like college and basic income. And while government funding can take care of some of that aid, donations for 9/11 victims' families are still needed.

Thankfully, there was an unprecedented rise in American charities following the September 11 attacks. New organizations were founded to support the near-3,000 victims' spouses and children left bereft in the wake of the attacks. And Americans gave at a higher rate than ever before — a record-breaking $2.8 billion was donated to help victims and their families in the immediate aftermath of the attack, according to the nonprofit organization Chronicle of Philanthropy. But the money shouldn't stop after that initial wave. The reality is that many family members of victims still need support, whether it's grief counseling for a spouse or a college scholarship for the child of a victim.

With that and the upcoming 15th anniversary in mind, here are a number of ways you can continue to help the families of 9/11 victims.

1. Tuesday's Children

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The organization Tuesday's Children was founded in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks to provide a haven for those who lost family members that day. They've expanded their outreach to help anyone affected by terrorism around the world, but they still see 9/11 families as a priority, and provide ways to support them specifically.

2. The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation

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The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation was founded in honor of firefighter Michael Lynch, who lost his life at the World Trade Center. The fund has been used to provide over 150 scholarships to children of 9/11 victims, and has raised over $4.6 million in donations.

3. Voices of September 11

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Founded to help in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, The Voices of September 11th organization continues to be a staple for many family members of 9/11 victims. Donations go to providing family members with information, a network of support services, and annual commemorative events.

4. The Families of Freedom

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Donations are also needed for the Families of Freedom scholarship fund, which was set up with the goal of ultimately providing over $100 million in post-secondary education assistance for children whose parents were killed or left permanently disabled by the attacks. According to the Associated Press, the organization funded $12.5 million to 760 students throughout the 2014 to 2015 school year.

Consider giving to one of these organizations this year. With the help of continued donations, family members could see their financial struggles eased.